Wahida Rehman, Shashi Kapoor received Padmabhushan.











Wahida Rehman, Shashi Kapoor received Padmabhushan.

The Indian civilian awards were given on Republic day, the 26th January, 2011. This year India did not give Bharatratna, the greatest civilian award to anyone. Sachin Tendulkar’s name emerged but due to age and other factors, he did not receive it.

Many bollywood personalities did receive the prestigious awards. Veteran actress Wahida Rehman, Shashi Kapoor and composer Khayyam received Padmabhushan. Composer Khayyam deserved it long time back, with his brilliant creations in the films Phir Subah Hogi, Akhri Khat, Kabhi Kabhi, Shagun, Umrao Jaan, etc. He deserved the national award for the best music a number of times. But it is sad that other talented composers like Shankar Jaikishan, Roshanlal Nagrath, Madanmohan did not receive the award. Wahida Rehman played epic roles in Guru Dutt’s films Pyaasa, Kagaz Ka Phool, etc., Raj Kapoor’s Teesri Kasam, Vijay Anand’s Guide, etc. She had rightly received the award during her lifetime. It is good that Shashi Kapoor had received during his lifetime also, as he is very sick at the moment. Singer S. P. Balasubhramanium received this award for his excellence in music. He received national award as best singer 6 times in his career.

Many bollywood personalities received Padmashree award, including actress Tabu, Kajol and Irfaan Khan. Irfaan Khan had kept his mark in the field of parallel films for a long time, and lastly got his dues for epic performances in films like Billu Barber, Knock Out, Corporate, etc. Tabu had remained a powerful actress with landmark performances in films lime Maachis, Tarqueeb, Astitva, etc.

Actor A. Nageshwara Rao of Telegu Film Industry received Padmabishushan. He had remained unparallel in his performances in films like Dharampatni. He had been in the industry for more than 69 years.

Singer Usha Uthup who had sung in many languages pop songs, classical singer Pandit Ajoy Chakravarty and veteran Rabindrasangeet singer Dwijen Mukherjee received the Padma awards. All of them deserved it and should have received quite earlier. It is very sad that just because singer Mohammad Rafi passed away in his 50s he neither received Padmabhushan, or Padmabibhushan.

Many other scholars, talented Indians, sports personalities received the Padma awards, including Indian cricketer VVS. Laxman.